Is Rhode Island a compact (multistate) nursing state?

Yes. Rhode Island implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on January 1, 2024. Licenses issued to qualifying Rhode Island residents on or after that date can be multistate licenses that permit practice in other compact states.

Who regulates nursing in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, under the Rhode Island Department of Health, licenses nurses, sets practice standards, and approves nursing education programs in the state.

How do I register for the NCLEX in Rhode Island?

Apply for licensure through the Rhode Island Department of Health, register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE, and pay the exam fee to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). After eligibility is confirmed, you receive an Authorization to Test and schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.

How do I verify a Rhode Island nursing license?

Use the Rhode Island Department of Health license verification portal at healthri.mylicense.com/verification to confirm a nurse's license status, type, and expiration.

What are some nursing schools in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island nursing programs include the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing, Rhode Island College's School of Nursing, and Salve Regina University's nursing program.

RI· Nursing licensure & NCLEX prep

NCLEX practice questions for Rhode Island nurses & students

Nursing in Rhode Island is overseen by the Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, which operates under the Rhode Island Department of Health and licenses RNs and LPNs across the state. Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island supports a compact set of well-established nursing programs at public and private institutions in the Providence area and along Narragansett Bay. Rhode Island implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on January 1, 2024, so multistate licenses are now available to qualifying residents. The original practice questions on this site are for study and exam preparation only.

Study mode explains each answer the moment you submit it; timed mode scores you at the end. Practice logged out, or create an account to save scores and track weak areas by topic.

Board of Nursing: Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
Compact status: Nurse Licensure Compact member
License verification: RI Department of Health license verification

Take the mixed practice exam Read the study guides

Nurse Licensure Compact

Nurse Licensure Compact member

Rhode Island implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on January 1, 2024; licenses issued to qualifying residents on or after that date can be multistate licenses.

Who regulates nursing

Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education

Nursing licensure in Rhode Island is set by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, Rhode Island Department of Health. For official, current requirements, use the board directly.

RI Department of Health license verification

How to register for the NCLEX in Rhode Island

1. Apply for licensure by examination with the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education and meet its eligibility requirements.
2. Register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee.
3. Once the board finds you eligible, you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and schedule at a Pearson VUE test center.
4.Use NursingCEA’s topic quizzes and study guides to prepare in the meantime.

Nursing schools in Rhode Island

A few of the nursing programs based in Rhode Island:

University of Rhode Island College of Nursing
Rhode Island College School of Nursing
Salve Regina University Department of Nursing

License renewal & continuing education in Rhode Island

License renewal: Every two years, expiring March 1.
RN continuing education: 10 contact hours of continuing education each two-year renewal, of which at least 2 hours must address substance use/abuse. A one-time (once per career) one-hour course on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is also required.
Required topics: Substance use / substance abuse, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (one-time)

Nurses attest to completion at renewal and must retain proof for four years. Confirm current hour totals and topics with the Board.

Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education renewal details How nursing CE works

NursingCEA does not provide continuing-education credit, contact hours, or certificates — we offer free practice questions and study material only. Requirements are set by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education and change over time; always confirm the current rules with the board.

Rhode Island nursing & NCLEX — frequently asked

: Yes. Rhode Island implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on January 1, 2024. Licenses issued to qualifying Rhode Island residents on or after that date can be multistate licenses that permit practice in other compact states.
: The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, under the Rhode Island Department of Health, licenses nurses, sets practice standards, and approves nursing education programs in the state.
: Apply for licensure through the Rhode Island Department of Health, register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE, and pay the exam fee to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). After eligibility is confirmed, you receive an Authorization to Test and schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
: Use the Rhode Island Department of Health license verification portal at healthri.mylicense.com/verification to confirm a nurse's license status, type, and expiration.
: Rhode Island nursing programs include the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing, Rhode Island College's School of Nursing, and Salve Regina University's nursing program.

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All material on this site is original and for practice and study only — it is not official licensure guidance. For current licensure requirements, rely on the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. NursingCEA is not affiliated with the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education.

Free NCLEX prep for Rhode Islandnurses & students

Licensure is the paperwork; the NCLEX is the hurdle. Everything you need to prepare in Rhode Island is free here — no account needed to start.

Free NCLEX practice test

A full-length practice exam across all eight nursing topics — every answer explained and cited to a clinical source.

Study guides by topic

High-yield concepts and the key values worth memorizing before you drill the questions.

Nursing CE & license renewal

How continuing education and license renewal work once you’re licensed — the rules by state, explained.

Practice questions by topic

Eight topic quizzes with a cited rationale on every question — pick one to study it in depth.

PHARM

Pharmacology

MEDSURG

Medical-Surgical

PEDS

Pediatrics

OB & Maternity

PSYCH

Mental Health

FUND

Fundamentals

DOSE

Dosage Calculations

LEAD

Leadership & Management